1>90 



ZOOLOGY BIRDS. 



coloration, especially shown in the rufous of the head, and in the stouter, 

 darker bill, showing in these respects their relationship with boucardi. 



Young birds in the nesting-plumage have the entire upper parts ashy- 

 brown ; beneath pale yellowish-white, profusely streaked across the breast 

 and along the sides with dark-brown ; greater wing-coverts tipped with ful- 

 vous ; secondaries margined outwardly with dull-rufous. 



This sparrow was found to prefer rocky localities, generally in the 

 vicinity of the streams. In some places it was not uncommon, usually in 

 small companies of from three to eight. I never saw it near the pines, and, 

 at this season at least, doubt that it is ever found among them. Indeed, all 

 its habits and motions, as it busies itself searching for food among the rocks 

 and bushes, are similar to those of the Song Sparrow (M. fallax), for which 

 I mistook it more than once ; its chirp of alarm was also similar. 



Bill dark-brown above, paler below ; legs and feet light-brown. 



In 1874, these sparrows were met with under much the same conditions 

 as the year previous. They are numerous in the region south of Camp 

 Apache, living among the oaks, not venturing far up into the mountains 

 nor descending to the plains. I regret that I can add so little to the meager 

 knowledge possessed of the habits of this bird. I never heard their song. 

 They apparently breed quite early, as by the middle of July the young, 

 fully grown and fledged, were taken. Its actions, so far as I have observed, 

 are unlike those of any other Peuc&a, and bear a close resemblance to those 

 of the Song Sparrows. 



